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Civics and Citizenship (Why do we need laws (Laws can be enforced by the…
Civics and Citizenship
Common Law
Common law recognizes people’s right to not incriminate themselves, which means they do not have to testify or answer questions if they believe it will make them look guilty.
6 key concepts
Democracy
System of government run by the people, for the people..
Most democratic societies, citizens are involved in the running of society by electing people who will represent them in government.
The term democracy comes from the Greek words ‘demos’ (meaning citizen) and ‘Kratos’ (meaning rule.)
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Democratic Values
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Such values include respect, equality, fairness and freedom.
If we couldn’t safely participate in our society, then it wouldn’t be a democracy at all.
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The Westminster System
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A head of state or sovereign (such as a prime minister) who leads the majority of representatives in the lower house.
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An independent judiciary (made up of the courts), which upholds the rule of law.
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Justice
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The concept of justice in Australia ultimately means that people should treat each other in a manner that is fair and balanced.
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When people break the law and are convicted by the courts it is said that they have been ‘brought to justice’.
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Participation
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In Australia we participate in the running of society in a number of ways. By voting in an election or referendum, serving on a jury or paying taxes.
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By voting for the issues that are important to us, we have the power to influence the way our country is run.
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Protesting or demonstrating about important issues (to make your opinions known to the rest of the community.)
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Participation is important in giving citizens a sense of ownership or accountability in the running of society.
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Statutory Law
Passing of the Bill
House of Representatives
Citizens present a Bill to a Member of Parliament (MP) that they want to represent them The MP reads the Bill out to all the other MPs and allows them to give ideas and make changes to the Bill. At the third reading, all the MPs vote if they want the Bill to become a law if the majority vote 'yes' then the Bill moves on to the Senate.
The Senate
The MP who received the Bill from citizens explains the Bill that has had changes made to it. This allows for more changes that need to be made by the Senate.The Bill gets read a second time but in more detail and changes can be added by other MPs. On the third reading the Bill is read out and then a vote happens. If the majority of the MPs want the Bill created in to a law they pass it over to the Governor-General.
Governor-General
When the Bill reaches the Governor-General (Queens representative) they get to decide whether or not the Bill is created in to a law. If the Governor-General agrees he gives the Bill a royal assent.
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Why do we need laws
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It is important for law-makers to develop laws that citizens think are acceptable or understandable.
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Laws are created for safety, to protect us and so everyone gets along and do not get into fights.
Civil Laws
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If an individual has their rights violated and suffers or is harmed as a result that individual can sue the other person for damages.
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The point in taking people to court in this way is to come to a conclusion in which the person who has suffered is compensated or paid in some way.
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Customary Law
Customary law of Indigenous Australians varied between nations and language groups just like their languages and other cusrtoms.
Disputes and elders
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Rather, elders were often highly respected members of the community who had a deep understanding of knowledge of traditions and laws.
Elders lead by example, passing own the stories and laws of the Dreaming to younger generations.
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The Dreaming
Dreaming stories laid down the rules for the people to live by, including the social and moral order that allowed people to live together peacefully.
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Freedom of speech
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Not allowed to spread hatred against others because of their religion, racial or cultural backgrounds.
Freedoms of association
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It does not matter who wants to join they can be apart of a "workers union," political party or social club.
Bounds of the law
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Bounds of the law basically means that when expressing any freedom we cannot break the law in order to express that freedom.
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Freedom of movement
People are not restricted, and if they see opportunities else where they are allowed to move.
